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The tensions in Ukraine are felt and have repercussions on Italian exports: the great missing salons of footwear and leather goods in Russia is a manifestation.

theMicam and Mipel were inaugurated Sunday and exhibitors are clearly aware of the decline of the Russian presence.

The contraction in exports to Moscow recorded in the ten months of last year was heavy (-23.1% to -15% for shoes and bags), and now, with the devaluation of the ruble, we fear it will further escalate. Cleto Sagripanti, president and theMicam company, reminded the audience that Russia is the second largest importer ever for the footwear industry, with companies that 80-90% work only with Moscow: “If the situation does not subside, we might be at risk for 20% of jobs. ”

Similar concerns were also expressed by the director of Aimpes-Mipel, Fabrizio Solè, who said he was pleased with the overall turnout: “The real problem is the Russian buyers, we have not seen practically.”

The problem is not only the volume of business: the buyers, in fact, pay down payments for orders to be sent into production, and it is these advances, especially those from Russia, that cover the costs and increasingly to remedy the outstanding companies, caused by the current economic situation of the Italian market.

Present at the inauguration of theMicam, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda invited entrepreneurs to diversify its exports, invest in new markets, particularly in the US, and has secured a commitment from the government to support companies that will focus on North America, with the aim not to restrict exports to the big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Calenda also wanted to point out the caution of the Italian government regarding the imposition of European sanctions, but restated: “The reading of the situation in Ukraine can not, however, be made only from an economic standpoint.”

Present in theMicam was also the secretary of the Northern League, Matteo Salvini, who during his visit has addressed the issue and Russian policies in Brussels to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.